Apparatus, method, and computer program for an alarm system

ABSTRACT

An alarm monitor includes memory that stores an actuator schedule. An input circuit receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remote from the alarm monitor. A processor generates digital data based on the sensor signal and generates a first control signal to control an actuator based on the actuator schedule. An interface wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on the digital data and transmits the first control signal to the actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/703,034, filed Nov. 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,252, whichapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 09/659,693 entitled “Apparatus And Method ForRecording And Reproducing Digital Data,” filed Sep. 11, 2000, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/211,874,entitled “Method and Apparatus For Recording And Reproducing DigitalData,” filed Jun. 14, 2000, the disclosures thereof incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 10/184,505 entitled “Apparatus And MethodFor Recording And Reproducing Digital Data,” filed Jun. 26, 2002, thedisclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 10/184,302 entitled “Apparatus And MethodFor Recording And Reproducing Digital Data,” filed Jun. 26, 2002, thedisclosure thereof incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 10/184,299 entitled “Apparatus And MethodFor Recording And Reproducing Digital Data,” filed Jun. 26, 2002 nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,315,764, the disclosure thereof incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to alarm systems.

FIG. 1 is an example of a conventional MP3 player. MP3 player includesan interface 106, nonvolatile solid state memory 102, a decoder 110, adigital-to-analog (D/A) converter 147, an audio output 116, a key pad108, a display 112, a controller 104, RAM 144 and ROM 145.

Controller 104 controls the operation of the MP3 player in accordancewith a set of programmed instructions. Programmed instructions forcontroller 104 are stored in nonvolatile memory or ROM 145, and RAM 144is provided as the working memory for controller 104

Typically, MP3 data, which is a digital compressed format representingmusic data, is initially stored on a personal computer 50 and issubsequently transferred to the MP3 player via interface 106, undercontrol of controller 104. The MP3 data is stored in nonvolatile solidstate memory 102. Interface 50 can implemented by a standard parallelport, serial port, USB and the like. Nonvolatile solid state memory 102may be implemented as flash memory. Generally, for a music qualityrecording, a nonvolatile solid state memory having 64 Mbytes can storeabout 1 hour of music. Flash memory provides the capability of retainingthe stored digital data even when the MP3 player is powered down. Oncethe digital data has been transferred to the MP3 player, it no longerneeds to be connected to personal computer 50, and the MP3 player canplay back the MP3 data autonomously from personal computer 50.

Decoder 110 functions to decode and decompress the MP3 data file storedin nonvolatile solid state memory 102. Decoder 110 decompresses the MP3music file in accordance controller 104 according to the MP3 format, anddecodes the decompressed music file into a bit stream form. The bitstream is then converted into analog form by digital to analog converter147 for connection to a speaker, earphone and the like. A decodingprogram for the MP3 decoder function is stored in the ROM 145 and loadedto RAM 144 by controller 104 as required.

The MP3 player comprises a keypad 108 for allowing user control andinteraction with the MP3 player. Such control may include power on/poweroff, music selection and volume. The MP3 also comprises a display 112for displaying characters or graphics, such as a battery indicator, aplay mode indicator, a volume indicator, available memory size and thetitle of the music being played.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method, apparatus,and computer program for an alarm system. It comprises a master unit;and an alarm monitor comprising an alarm sensor to provide a sensorsignal representing alarm conditions; a processor to produce digitaldata based on the alarm signal; and a media access controller togenerate a report signal comprising the digital data; and a transmitterto transmit the report signal to the master unit.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmitthe report signal when the sensor signal meets a predeterminedcondition. The alarm sensor comprises a camera; and the sensor signalcomprises an image captured by the camera. The media access controlleris further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and thetransmitter is further to transmit the packet. The media accesscontroller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprisingthe digital data; and the transmitter is further to transmit theelectronic mail message. The alarm monitor further comprises a receiverto receive a further signal comprising a destination address; whereinthe media access controller directs the electronic mail message to thedestination address. The processor is further to enter a sleep mode whenthe sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predeterminedinterval; and, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predeterminedcondition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to causethe transmitter to transmit the report signal. The alarm sensorcomprises at least one of the group comprising a seismometer; abarometer; a thermometer; a motion detector; a smoke detector; a carbonmonoxide detector; and a glass breakage detector. Implementationscomprise a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensorcalibration information from the master unit; wherein the media accesscontroller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information fromthe further signal; and wherein the processor is further to calibratethe alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.The alarm system complies with a standard selected from the groupconsisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g;IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i. The processor and the media accesscontroller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit. Thealarm sensor, the processor and the media access controller areimplemented together as a single integrated circuit.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method, apparatus,and computer program for an alarm system. It comprises receiving asignal representing digital data; obtaining the digital data from thesignal representing the digital data; and producing a control signalbased on the digital data; and providing the control signal to anactuator to manipulate a physical portal in response to the controlsignal.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the followingfeatures. It comprises manipulating the physical portal in response tothe control signal. Manipulating the physical portal is selected fromthe group consisting of opening the physical portal; closing thephysical portal; locking the physical portal; and obscuring the physicalportal. The physical portal is selected from the group consisting of awindow; and a door. It comprises receiving a sensor signal provided byone or more sensors; and providing the control signal based on thedigital data and the sensor signal. The one or more sensors comprise atleast one of the group comprising a thermometer; a light detector; amoisture detector; a wind detector; a barometer; a motion detector; asmoke detector; a gas detector; and a glass breakage detector. Itcomprises providing a keypad control signal in response to operation ofa keypad; and providing the control signal based on the digital data andthe keypad control signal. It comprises displaying a status of theapparatus. It comprises transmitting a report signal representing astatus of the apparatus. It comprises storing an actuator schedule; andproducing the control signal based on the actuator schedule. Itcomprises producing the control signal based on the actuator schedulewhen the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a physical portalcomprising a processor to produce digital data based on a sensor signalprovided by a sensor; a media access controller to generate a reportsignal comprising the digital data; and a transmitter to transmit thereport signal.

Particular implementations can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The physical portal is selected from the group consisting of awindow; and a door. The processor is further to cause the transmitter totransmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predeterminedcondition. The sensor comprises a camera; and wherein the sensor signalcomprises an image captured by the camera. The media access controlleris further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and whereinthe transmitter is further to transmit the packet. The media accesscontroller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprisingthe digital data; and wherein the transmitter is further to transmit theelectronic mail message. The physical portal further comprises areceiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address;wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail messageto the destination address. The processor is further to enter a sleepmode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for apredetermined interval; and wherein, when the sensor signal no longermeets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave thesleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal.The physical portal further comprises the sensor. The sensor comprisesat least one of the group comprising a thermometer; a light detector; amoisture detector; a wind detector; a barometer; a motion detector; asmoke detector; a gas detector; and a glass breakage detector. Thesensor, the processor and the media access controller are implementedtogether as a single integrated circuit. The physical portal furthercomprises a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensorcalibration information; wherein the media access controller is furtherto obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal;and wherein the processor is further to calibrate the sensor inaccordance with the sensor calibration information. The transmittercomplies with a standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE802.11i. The processor and the media access controller are implementedtogether as a single integrated circuit. The physical portal furthercomprises a receiver to receive a signal representing digital data;wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the digitaldata from the signal representing the digital data; wherein theprocessor is further to produce a control signal based on the digitaldata obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit toprovide the control signal to an actuator to manipulate the physicalportal in response to the control signal. The physical portal furthercomprises the actuator. The actuator is selected from the groupconsisting of a device to open the physical portal; a device to closethe physical portal; a device to lock the physical portal; and a deviceto obscure the physical portal. The processor is further to provide thecontrol signal based on the digital data obtained by the media accesscontroller and the sensor signal. The physical portal further comprisesa keypad to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation ofthe keypad; wherein the processor is further to provide the controlsignal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controllerand the keypad control signal. The physical portal further comprises adisplay to display a status of the physical portal. The receiver is awireless receiver. The receiver complies with a standard selected fromthe group consisting of IEEE 802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE 802.11i. The physical portal furthercomprises a memory to store an actuator schedule; and wherein theprocessor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuatorschedule. The processor is further to produce the control signal basedon the actuator schedule stored in the memory when the signalrepresenting the digital data is unavailable. The memory isnon-volatile.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional MP3 player.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a first embodiment of themedia player/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the media player/recorder ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary data format of a magnetic disk having aplurality of concentric tracks comprised of a plurality of user datasectors and embedded servo data sectors.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of memory 202.

FIG. 8 is a memory map of memory 202.

FIG. 9 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedureaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedureaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is flow chart of an energization/deenergization procedureaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is flow chart of an operating procedure according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 shows a variation of the first embodiment of the mediaplayer/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 shows a variation of the second embodiment of the mediaplayer/recorder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a mode of some implementations referred to as “localradio mode.”

FIG. 18 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder isimplemented within a digital camera.

FIG. 19 shows automobiles equipped with a media player/recorder inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows an implementation where a media player/recordercommunicates with a biometric sensor over a cable.

FIG. 21 show a biometric sensor worn on a finger and transmittingbiometric data over a cable.

FIG. 22 shows a process for a media player/recorder to acquire sharedmedia.

FIG. 23 shows a process for a media player/recorder to share media.

FIG. 24 shows a process for a media player/recorder to match items ofinterest.

FIG. 25 shows an alarm system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 shows a controller according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 shows a process that can be performed by the controller of FIG.26 according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a window according to one embodiment.

FIG. 29 shows a process that can be performed by the window of FIG. 28according to one embodiment.

The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in thisspecification indicates the number of the drawing in which the referencenumeral first appears. Like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an alarm systemthat transmits digital data representing alarm conditions such asweather conditions, motion, gas content, sounds, and so on. The digitaldata can be encoded, compressed or both, and can be transmittedwirelessly or by wire, cable, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown the first embodiment of mediaplayer/recorder of the present invention. The media player/recorderincludes a wired interface 206, a wireless interface 210, memory 202, aprocessor 300, an output 216, a keypad 208, a display 212, a storagedevice (the storage device may utilize, for example, a magnetic media(such as a hard disk drive), magneto-optical media, an optical media(such as a CD ROM, CDR, CDRW or the like), and the like) such as, a diskdrive 230, a preamp 232 and a voice coil motor (VCM) 234. Wirelessinterface 210 includes a wireless transmitter 209 and a wirelessreceiver 211.

The operation of the media player/recorder is as follows. Operation ofthe media player/recorder is controlled by the user through keypad 208.Status of the media player/recorder is provided to the user by display212.

Media data, which was previously digitized, may be obtained (downloaded)from a personal computer, network appliance, local area network,Internet 50 and the like, including wireless networks withinfrastructure, such as a designated access point, peer-to-peer wirelessnetworks, and the like. Such external devices communicate with the mediaplayer/recorder via wired interface 206 and wireless interface 210,which are controlled by processor 300. Wired interface 206 may beimplemented, for example, as a parallel interface, serial interface,USB, Ethernet connection, IEEE 1394 (a.k.a. Firewire), and the like.Wireless interface 210 may be implemented, for example, as an infraredinterface, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth™ and the like. Again thepresent invention is independent of the interface selected. Media datais then stored on the storage device such as, disk drive 230 inaccordance with processor 300. Disk drive 230 is preferably a miniaturedrive with a capacity of 1 Gbyte of data storage, which is particularlysuitable for a portable device. Of course, any other appropriate sizeddisk drive may be employed.

Alternatively, media data may be obtained directly from an externalanalog source, such as a microphone or video camera, connected to input214. Input 214 takes the input signal from external device and sets theanalog signal to an appropriate level. The analog signal is thenconverted to a digital signal and compressed using a selected format byprocessor 300, as will be described herein below. The compressed digitaldata is similarly stored on disk drive 230.

When the user chooses a selection of media data to be played back withkeypad 208, processor 300 powers up disk drive 230 and retrieves theselected data which is then transferred to memory 202. It is noted thatthe powering up of the device is done in a sequential manner so as tominimize energy consumption of the device. A more detailed descriptionis provided below.

Memory 202 comprises a solid state memory, such as, for example dynamicrandom access memory (solid state memory), flash memory, EEPROM, or thelike. It is not necessary for memory 202 to be nonvolatile since themedia data is stored in a nonvolatile manner on storage device or diskdrive 230. The quantity of solid state memory required is less than isrequired in a conventional MP3 player. The quantity of solid statememory contemplate is about 2 Mbytes, which is sufficient to store about2 minutes of MP3 data. Of course, as will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, when dealing with video data, more solidstate memory may be required. The amount of solid state memory suppliedis selected to minimize energy consumption.

After the selected data is stored in memory 202, disk drive 230 is thenpowered down. In this manner, during playback disk drive 230 is poweredup only during the transfer of the selected media data from disk drive230 to memory 202, which results in lower energy consumption. A moredetailed description of the powering down of disk drive 230 is providedherein below. The media data is retrieved from memory 202. Processor 300determines the format of data compression from the retrieved data. Diskdrive 230, also stores the data compression/decompression algorithms.The data is decompressed in accordance with the determined format andconverted to an analog signal by processor 300. The analog signal is setto an appropriate level by output circuit 216. If the analog signalcontains audio data, output circuit 216 is connected to a speaker,headphone and the like for playback, and if the analog signal containsvideo data, output circuit 216 is connected to a display device forplayback.

Additionally, media data recorded on disk drive 230 or stored in memory202 may be transferred (uploaded) to a personal computer, networkappliance, local area network, internet 50 or another mediaplayer/recorder through interfaces 206 and 210 under the control ofprocessor 300.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of processor 300. Processor 300 ispreferably implemented as a single integrated circuit. A mediaplayback/recorder apparatus having a processor implemented as a singleintegrated circuit can be fabricated at lower cost and have lower energyconsumption. Alternatively, processor 300 may be implemented by discretecomponents. Processor 300 comprises a read channel 341, storagecontroller or hard disk controller 342, digital signalprocessor/microprocessor unit (DSP/MPU) 343, random access memory (RAM)344, a non volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 345, digitalto analog converter (DAC) 346 and analog to digital converter (ADC) 347.DSP/MPU 343 comprises servo controller 349 and Codec 348. In a preferredembodiment, DSP/MPU 343 is implemented as a single integrated circuit.In another embodiment, MPU may be implemented as one integrated circuitand the DSP may be implemented as another integrated circuit.

It is noted that DSP/MPU 343 may comprise a microprocessor unit, adigital signal processor, or any combination thereof. ROM 345 storesprogrammed instructions for processor 300 and DSP/MPU 343 to control theoperation of both the disk drive 230 (and associated circuitry) and thesignal processing of the media data. RAM 345 is provided as a workingmemory for DSP/MPU 343. For each of the various compression formatsdiscussed above, the decompression and compression algorithms for Codec348 are stored on disk drive 230. Storing the decompression andcompression algorithms on disk drive 230 minimizes the size of ROM 345and its energy consumption. Additionally, this feature allows futurecompression and decompressions formats to be easily implemented for themedia player/recorder.

In the implementation of FIG. 3, wireless interface 210 is implementedseparately from processor 300, and includes an antenna 356, a wirelessunit 354, a baseband processor 352, and a media access controller (MAC)350. Antenna 356 is a conventional antenna for receiving andtransmitting wireless signals. Wireless unit 354 converts wirelesssignals received by antenna 356 to analog baseband signals, and convertsanalog baseband signals received from baseband processor 352 to wirelesssignals for transmission by antenna 356. Baseband processor 352 convertsanalog baseband signals received from wireless unit 354 to a digitalbitstream, and converts a digital bitstream received from MAC 350 toanalog baseband signals, both according to well-known methods. MAC 350frames the digital bitstream produced by baseband processor 352, andfilters the frames to select the frames addressed to processor 300, bothaccording to well-known methods. MAC 350 also converts frames receivedfrom processor 300 to a digital bitstream for baseband processor 352,also according to well-known methods. In some implementations, MAC 350includes an embedded microprocessor.

Prior to discussing the operation of processor 300, reference is made toFIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary data format of a magnetic media usedin disk drive 230, comprising a series of concentric data tracks 13wherein each data track 13 comprises a plurality of sectors 15 withembedded servo wedges 17. Servo controller 349 processes the servo datain servo wedges 17 and, in response thereto, positions the read/writehead over a desired track. Additionally, servo controller 349 processesservo bursts within servo wedges 17 to keep a disk head of disk drive230 aligned over a centerline of the desired track while writing andreading data. Servo wedges 17 may be detected by the discrete timesequence detector implemented in DSP/MPU 343. It is important to notethat DSP/MPU 343 is utilized only during the time period for detectingservo wedges 17; during other periods DSP/MPU 343 is available toperform other functions as described below, such as signal processingfor media data playback and recording. By using only one DSP rather thantwo, the cost of fabrication and the amount of energy consumption can bereduced.

As described above, the powering up of the device is done in asequential manner so as to minimize energy consumption of the device.More specifically, the mechanical or motor portions of the storagedevice are energized first. After the motor reaches operating speed, VCM234 is energized, followed by the energization of read channel 341 andHDC 342.

The operation of processor 300 is as follows. DSP/MPU 343 controls theentire operation of the media player/recorder. DSP/MPU 343 is coupled tohard disk controller 342. When writing data to disk drive 230, hard diskcontroller 342 receives a write instruction and write data from DSP/MPU343. The write data is temporarily stored in a cache memory (not shown)which is used as a buffer memory. Based on a clock from a clockgenerator (not shown), DSP/MPU 343 controls voice coil motor (VCM) andspindle motor 234 via servo unit 349. As a result, the magnetic head ismoved to a desired track position on the magnetic disk by the head arm,and the magnetic disk is rotated at a rated rotational speed by thespindle, which is driven by spindle motor 234. The data is read from thecache memory and supplied to read channel 341 via hard disk controller342. Read channel 341 encodes the write data under the control ofDSP/MPU 343, and supplies the encoded write data to preamplifier 232.The magnetic head writes the encoded write data on the magnetic disk inaccordance with a signal from preamplifier 232.

When reading data from the magnetic disk, hard disk controller 342receives a read instruction from DSP/MPU 343. Based on a clock signal,DSP/MPU 343 controls voice coil motor and spindle motor 234 via servounit 349. Hence, the magnetic head is moved to a desired track positionon the magnetic disk by the head arm, and the magnetic disk is rotatedby spindle motor 234.

The data read from the magnetic disk by the magnetic head is supplied toread channel 341 via preamplifier 232. Read channel 341 decodes the readdata under the control of DSP/MPU 343, and generates read data. The readdata are supplied from read channel 341 to hard disk controller 342under the control of DSP/MPU 343, and are temporarily stored in thecache memory. The read data read from the cache memory are supplied toDSP/MPU 343 from hard disk controller 342.

As noted above, operation of the media player/recorder is controlled bythe user through keypad 208, which is in communication with DSP/MPU 343.Status of the media player/recorder is provided to the user by display212 in accordance with DSP/MPU 343. When either uploading or downloadingdata, the media player/recorder is in communication with personalcomputer, network appliance, local area network, Internet 50. Otherwisethe media player/recorder can be operated independently. The userselects the file to be downloaded from personal computer, networkappliance, local area network, Internet 50 by way of keypad 208.Alternatively the user can select the file to be downloaded from thepersonal computer. DSP/MPU 343 controls the flow of data throughinterfaces 206 and/or 210 and stores the data onto hard disk 230 inaccordance with the method described above. When uploading data topersonal computer, network appliance, local area network, Internet 50the process is reversed.

To record data directly input into media player/recorder from anexternal analog source, the external device is placed in communicationwith input 214. Input 214 takes the input signal from the externaldevice and sets the analog signal to an appropriate level. The analogsignal is then converted to a digital signal by ADC 347 of processor300. Codec 348 of DSP/MPU 343 compresses the digitized data using adefault compression format or one selected by the user by way of keypad208. The default or selected compression program is transferred fromhard disk 230 to RAM 344 and provided to Codec 348 for encoding. Thecompressed digital data is similarly stored on disk drive 230 under thecontrol of DSP/MPU 343.

When the user chooses a selection of media data to be played back withkeypad 208, DSP/MPU 343 powers up disk drive 230 and retrieves theselected data as described above. The retrieved data is then written tomemory 202. After the selected data is stored in memory 202, disk drive230 is then powered down by DSP/MPU 343. In this manner, during playbackdisk drive 230 is powered up only during the transfer of the selectedmedia data from disk drive 230 to memory 202, which results in lowerenergy consumption. A single song stored in MP3 format may takeapproximately one second to retrieve from disk drive 230. The media datais retrieved from memory 202 by DSP/MPU 343 and the compression formatis then determined.

If the decompression program has already been transferred to RAM 344,the program is provided to Codec 348. Otherwise the decompressionalgorithm is retrieved from hard disk 230 and transferred to RAM 344.The data is then decompressed by Codec 348 and converted to an analogsignal by DAC 346. The analog signal is set to an appropriate level byoutput circuit 216. If the analog signal contains audio data, outputcircuit 216 is connected to a speaker, headphone and the like forplayback, and if the analog signal contains video data, output circuit216 is connected to a display device for playback.

It is noted that the capacity of disk drive 230 is selected to hold adesired amount of media data, and the amount of solid state memory 202is selected to minimize energy consumption. A disk drive having acapacity of 1 Gbyte can store approximately 30 hours of MP3 compressedmusic.

This section will described the power management control of the deviceby CPU/MPU 343.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7 and 9, when the user turns on the mediaplayer and selects a file to be played (step 912), the variouscomponents of media player are powered up in a sequential manner so asto minimize energy consumption of the device. More specifically, themechanical or motor portions of the storage device or disk drive 230 areenergized first (step 914). After the motor reaches its operating speed(step 916), VCM 234, preamp 232, read channel 341 and HDC 342 areenergized, since these components are only functional after disk drive230 becomes operational. Energy would be unnecessarily expended ifpreamp 232, read channel 341 and HDC 342 were energized before diskdrive 230 becomes operational. Therefore, VCM 234, preamp 232, readchannel 341 and HDC 342 are energized only after disk drive 230 becomesoperational (step 918). Preamp 232, read channel 341 and HDC 342 can bereferred to as a storage circuit and include circuits to transform datastored on a storage device to a digital signal.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of memory 202. User data is firststored from location 724 to location 702 in a sequential manner inmemory 202. In one embodiment, DSP/MPU 343 uses a pointer system inconnection with memory 202 to determine when the amount of data storedthe amount data stored reaches an upper threshold value (step 922). Whenthe amount of data stored in memory 202 reaches the upper thresholdvalue, HDC 342, read channel 341, preamp 232, disk drive 230 and VCM 234are powered down or deenergized (step 924). Of course, as will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, while data is being tomemory 202, data may also be read contemporaneously therefrom by DSP/MPU343 for decompression and playback. Data is then read out from memory202 starting at location 702 towards location 724 by DSP/MPU 343 (step926). When the data file has been completely read from memory (step928), the user can select another file. The data is continually readfrom memory 202, until the amount of data remaining is below a lowthreshold value (step 930). When the data remaining in memory 202 isbelow the threshold value, disk drive 230, VCM 234, preamp 232, readchannel 341 and HDC 342 are sequentially energized as noted above, anddata is transferred from the storage device to memory 202.

FIG. 10 is an alternate embodiment to FIG. 9. Instead of utilizing apointer system, the amount of data transferred to memory 202 is counted(step 1020) by a counter incorporated in DSP/MPU 343. The sequentialenergization of the disk drive 230, VCM 234, preamp 232, read channel341 and HDC 342 is similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 9 (steps1012, 1014, 1016 and 1018). When amount of data transfer to memory 202is greater than or equal to an upper limit U (step 1022), HDC 342, readchannel 341, preamp 232, disk drive 230 and VCM 234 are powered down ordeenergized (step 1024). As data is read from memory, the counterdecrements the count, and when the count is less than or equal to alower limit 1 (step 1030), disk drive 230, VCM 234, preamp 232, readchannel 341 and HDC 342 are sequentially energized as noted above, anddata is transferred from the storage device to memory 202.

FIG. 11 is another alternate embodiment to FIG. 9. The embodiment inFIG. 9 utilizes a timer incorporated in DSP/MPU 343 to approximate theamount of data transferred to memory 202 in accordance with the datatransfer rate of disk drive 230. The sequential energization of diskdrive 230, VCM 234, preamp 232, read channel 341 and HDC 342 is similarto that of the embodiment of FIG. 9 (steps 1112, 1114, 1116 and 1118).The timer is started (step 1119) as data is transferred form disk drive230 to memory 202. When the timer times out, HDC 342, read channel 341,preamp 232, disk drive 230 and VCM 234 are powered down or deenergized(step 1124). As data is read from memory, the timer is started (1125),and when the timer times out (step 1130), disk drive 230, VCM 234,preamp 232, read channel 341 and HDC 342 are sequentially energized asnoted above, and data is transferred from the storage device to memory202.

In the simplest implementation, media data representing one selection(such as a single song) is transferred from disk drive 230 to memory 202for playback. FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of memory 202, andFIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an alternate implementation. Asshown therein, instead of retrieving just one selection, first portionsof multiple selections are transferred from disk drive 230 to memory202. These multiple selections may include the user's favoriteselections, random selections from an external source, or the like (step1204). When the user starts playing back the selection, a timer isstarted (step 1208) and the first selection is played back (step 1210).If a user instruction is received (step 1212) to continue playing thatselection is received within a predetermined time (step 1214), theremaining portion of the selection is transferred from disk drive 230 tomemory 202 (step 1216) for continued play back (step 1218). If the timertimes out (step 1214), the first portion of the next selection (step1206) is played back and the process is repeated for each remainingfirst portion. Alternatively, instead of using a timer, a memorythreshold, as shown in FIG. 8, may be utilized permit playback of theentire current selection if the user instruction is received before thememory being read out goes below the current selection threshold.Otherwise the first portion of the next selection is played back. Ofcourse, the play back of portions of selections 1 through N may be inany order, such as sequential, random and predetermined. If the playback is in sequential order new selections may be transferred from diskdrive 230 to memory 202 to replace previously played back selections.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Thesecond embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except the secondembodiment does not include memory 202. In this embodiment media data isrecorded in a similar manner as the first embodiment and no furtherdiscussion is provided herein. For playback operation, the media data isretrieved directly from disk drive 230 for playback through output 216.The other portions of the playback operation are similar to the firstembodiment. In the second embodiment disk drive 230 will be powered onany time media data is recorded or played back. As such this embodimentis particularly applicable when the power supply is external. Forexample the media player/recorder of the second embodiment may be aportable device used in an automobile supply by energy therefrom. Insome implementations, MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.

FIG. 13 shows a variation of the first embodiment. According to thisvariation, baseband processor 352 and MAC 350 are implemented withinprocessor 300, preferably as a single integrated circuit. Wirelessinterface 210 includes antenna 356 and wireless unit 354. This variationoperates as described for the first embodiment. In some implementations,MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.

FIG. 14 shows a variation of the second embodiment. According to thisvariation, baseband processor 352 and MAC 350 are implemented withinprocessor 300, preferably as a single integrated circuit. Wirelessinterface 210 includes antenna 356 and wireless unit 354. This variationoperates as described for the first embodiment. In some implementations,MAC 350 includes an embedded microprocessor.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention. According tothis embodiment, a MAC 1550 is implemented within processor 300, whichis preferably implemented as a single integrated circuit, and includesan embedded digital signal processor and microprocessor unit (DSP/MPU)1551. DSP/MPU 1551 includes codec 348, and communicates with memory 202,display 212, keypad 208, wired interface 206, RAM 344, DAC 346, and ADC347, which function as described above with reference to FIG. 3. DSP/MPU343 has been replaces with DSP/MPU 1543, which controls disk drive 230,read channel 341, and HDC 342 as described above.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a mediaplayer/recorder in accordance with the present invention. Thisembodiment is similar to the above embodiments, but has no hard drive.Some implementations of this embodiment optionally include anon-volatile memory 1602 such as a flash memory instead of a hard drive.Consequently the circuits associated with the hard drive are alsoeliminated, resulting in a less-expensive media player/recorder. In thedepicted implementation, baseband processor 352 and MAC 350 areimplemented within processor 300, which is preferably implemented as asingle integrated circuit. In other implementations, baseband processor352 and MAC 350 are implemented separately from processor 300, forexample, within wireless interface 210. In some implementations, MAC 350includes an embedded DSP/MPU. These implementations operate in a mannersimilar to that described for the implementations of FIG. 15.

The implementations using non-volatile memory instead of a hard driveare especially useful for receiving streaming media from broadcasts suchas internet radio stations and other media player recorders. Someimplementations feature a “broadcast” mode where the mediaplayer/recorder plays a media selection and wirelessly transmits themedia selection, either compressed or uncompressed, or in analog form,such that other media player/recorders can receive the broadcast mediaand play it at the same time as the broadcasting player/recorder.

The implementations with no hard drive or non-volatile memory areespecially useful in a “local radio” mode where the media to be playedis stored on a personal computer, server, or the like that is separatefrom the media player/recorder. FIG. 17 illustrates the local radiomode. In this mode, the media is wirelessly streamed to the mediaplayer/recorder 1704, which decompresses and plays the media withoutstoring the media. Because the media player/recorder never stores a copyof the media, it is ideal for playing media for which only a single copyis licensed. The single copy is stored on a personal computer (PC) 1702,and is streamed to media player/recorder 1704 for playback. Because onlya single copy of the media is stored, the single-copy license issatisfied.

FIG. 18 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder 1804 isimplemented within a digital camera 1802. In recording mode, an imagesensor 1806 within camera 1802 captures one or more images, and passes asignal representing the image to media player/recorder 1804. If thesignal is analog, a analog-to-digital converter within mediaplayer/recorder 1804 converts the analog signal to a digital signal. Adigital signal processor within media player/recorder 1804 then encodesthe digital signal. The encoding can include image compression, imagemanipulation, and the like. A storage controller within mediaplayer/recorder 1804 stores the encoded image data on a storage device.In some implementations, digital camera 1802 is a digital motion picturecamera and the encoded image data represents a motion picture.

In playback mode, the storage controller retrieves the encoded imagedata from the storage device. The digital signal processor decodes theretrieved encoded image data. Media player/recorder 1804 sends a signalrepresenting the decoded image data to a display 1808, which displaysthe image(s) captured by image sensor 1806. A The media player/recorderdescribed herein can be implemented as a portable unit, as a permanentlymounted unit within a vehicle such as an automobile, and the like. FIG.19 shows automobiles 1902A and 1902B equipped with such a mediaplayer/recorder. In this implementation, the antenna of the automobilecan serve as the antenna of the media player/recorder. The mediaplayer/recorders in the automobiles 1902 can communicate with eachother, without user intervention, while traveling near each other, whilestopped at intersections, and in other similar scenarios, to share mediadata, items of interest, and the like. The media player/recorders in theautomobiles 1902 can also communicate with portable mediaplayer/recorders 1904 in a similar fashion. The vehicular and portablemedia player/recorders can communicate with a stationary base station1906 to share media over a network such as the Internet. For example, ahomeowner can equip his garage with such a base station 1906 so themedia player/recorder in his automobile can share media and items ofinterest while parked in the garage during the night. Similarly, a userof a portable player/recorder 1904 can equip his home with a basestation 1906 so the media player/recorder 1904 can share media and itemsof interest while not otherwise in use, for example while the usersleeps.

Some implementations receive and store data other than media data. Insome implementations the media player/recorder records biometric datacollected by a biometric sensor disposed near, upon, or within a humanbody or other organism. The biometric data can represent biologicalfunctions such as breathing, heart function, body temperature, bloodpressure, and the like. Such devices and methods are well-know in therelevant arts, and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,662 entitled“Measurement Device, Portable Electronic Instrument, And MeasurementMethod,” issued Feb. 8, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,342 entitled “DeviceFor Measuring Calorie Expenditure And Device For Measuring BodyTemperature,” issued Feb. 29, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,653 entitled“Pulsimeter,” issued Mar. 14, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,742 entitled“Organism State Measuring Device and Relaxation Instructing Device,”issued Jun. 27, 2000, the disclosures thereof incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

FIG. 20 shows an implementation where a media player/recorder 2002communicates with a biometric sensor 2004 over a cable 2006. Thebiometric data collected by biometric sensor 2004 is passed to mediaplayer/recorder 2002 over cable 2006. Alternatively, the biometric datacan be passed to media/player recorder 2002 wirelessly. The data can bepassed in analog or digital form, and is received and stored bymedia/player recorder 2002 according to the methods described above. InFIG. 20 the biometric sensor is worn on the leg. Of course, thebiometric sensor can be worn in other locations. FIG. 21 show abiometric sensor 2104 worn on a finger and transmitting biometric dataover a cable 2106.

According to these implementations, a user of the media player/recordercan record biometric data for later use in diagnosis and treatment ofintermittently occurring medical conditions such as heart arrhythmia.When the user subsequently visits a doctor, the media player/recordercan transmit the stored biometric data to the doctor's computer foranalysis, by wire or wirelessly.

Some implementations feature a “share” mode in which media stored on onemedia player/recorder can be shared with other media player recordersusing wireless data transmissions over wireless interface 210. FIGS. 22and 23 show methods for such sharing. Of course, media can be sharedover wired interface 206 as well using similar methods. However, thesemethods are well-suited for the relatively lower data rates of wirelesslinks because they require little user intervention. These methods canbe used not only to share media between player/recorder units, but alsowith other repositories of media, such as remote network servers and thelike.

FIG. 22 shows a process 2200 for a media player/recorder to acquireshared media. A list of identifiers of desired media selections, such assong titles, is stored within the player/recorder (step 2202). A usercan generate the list using the keypad, download the list from acomputer, or the like. Optionally, the wireless transmitter can transmita signal representing the list (step 2204). Other player/recorder unitsreceive the list, and respond by offering media selections on the list.The wireless receiver receives the titles of the offered mediaselections (step 2206). The offered titles are compared to the desiredtitles (step 2208). The player/recorder optionally transmits a signalrequesting the selections having matching titles (step 2210). Otherplayer/recorders respond by transmitting the requested selections. Theplayer/recorder receives the requested selections, and stores thereceived selections (step 2212).

The player/recorder can obtain selections shared by a broadcaster thatsimply transmits a title of a media selection, and then transmits theselection, without first waiting to receive lists of desired titles orrequests for media selections having matching titles. In this caseoptional steps 2204 and 2210 are not needed.

FIG. 23 shows a process 2300 for a media player/recorder to share media.A list of identifiers of shared media selections, such as song titles,is stored within the player/recorder (step 2302). A user can generatethe list using the keypad, download the list from a computer, or thelike. Optionally, the wireless transmitter can transmit a signalrepresenting the list (step 2304). Other player/recorder units receivethe list, and respond by requesting media selections on the list. Thewireless receiver receives the titles of the sought media selections(step 2306). The sought titles are compared to the shared titles (step2308). The player/recorder transmits the selections having matchingtitles (step 2310).

Some implementations feature an “interest matching” mode in which itemsof interest stored on one media player/recorder can be shared with othermedia player recorders using wireless data transmissions over wirelessinterface 220. Items of interest include interests such as hobbies andsports, items for sale or rent, requests for items for sale or rent,musical preferences and the like. When a match is made, the displayunits indicate the match, and the media player/recorders can wirelesslyexchange contact information such as email addresses, telephone numbersand the like. Some implementations include a directional antenna toallow the users having matched items of interest to locate each other.Of course, interests can be matched over wired interface 216 as wellusing similar methods. FIG. 24 shows methods for such interest matching.

FIG. 24 shows a process 2400 for a media player/recorder to match itemsof interest. A list of desired items of interest is stored within theplayer/recorder (step 2402). A user can generate the list using thekeypad, download the list from a computer, or the like. Optionally, thewireless transmitter can transmit a signal representing the list (step2404). The wireless receiver receives offered items of interest fromother player/recorders (step 2406). The offered items of interest arecompared to the desired items of interest (step 2408). When compareditems of interest match, the display unit indicates a match (step 2410).Optionally the player/recorder transmits contact information to thetransmitter of the offered item of interest (step 2412). Optionally, theplayer/recorder determines and displays a direction to the transmitterof the offered item of interest (step 2414). The player/recorder canalso include a range finder circuit to determine a range to thetransmitter of the offered item of interest, which is then displayed.

FIG. 25 shows an alarm system 2500 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Alarm system 2500 comprises a controller 2510, one ormore sensors 2502, one or more actuators 2508, and one or more optionalalarm indicators 2520 such as sirens, flashers, and the like. Eachsensor 2502 generates a sensor signal that represents alarm conditions.Controller 2510 receives the sensor signal, generates a report signalthat represents the alarm conditions, and optionally transmits thereport signal to an optional master unit such as a network appliance2512, personal computer (PC), or the like over a channel 2514 that canbe a wireless link or a wire, cable, or the like.

Alarm system 2500 has many uses including intruder alarm systems, fireand smoke detectors, and the like. A single controller 2510 can receivedata from one or more sensors 2502, and can control one or more sensors2502, for example for purposes such as calibration of sensors 2502.Network appliance 2512 can communicate with multiple controllers 2510.Controller 2510 and sensors 2502 can be fabricated as separate units oras a single alarm monitor unit.

Controller 2510 can operate independently or in conjunction with networkappliance 2512. When operating in conjunction with network appliance2512, controller 2510 collects data from sensors 2502 and reports thedata to network appliance 2512. In some embodiments, controller 2510regularly reports the data to network appliance 2512. In someembodiments network appliance 2512 polls controller 2510. In otherembodiments, controller 2510 only reports the data to network appliance2512 when the data meets one or more predetermined conditions, which canbe downloaded from network appliance 2512. For example, in an intruderalarm system where sensor 2502 is a motion detector, controller 2510transmits a report signal to network appliance 2512 only when sensor2502 detects motion. In some embodiments, controller 2510 can reportdata from a second sensor when data from a first sensor meets one ormore predetermined conditions. For example, in an intruder alarm systemwhere sensors 2502 include a motion detector and a camera, controller2510 can transmit data captured by the camera when the motion detectordetects motion.

In some embodiments, controller 2510 features a low-power sleep modewhere one or more elements of controller 2510, such as a processor andso on, enters the sleep mode when the sensor signal meets apredetermined condition for a predetermined interval. When the sensorsignal no longer meets the further predetermined condition, the sleepingelements leave the sleep mode and controller 2510 can transmit thereport signal.

When operating independently, controller 2510 can rely on datapreviously provided by network appliance 2512 such as predeterminedconditions previously downloaded. In some embodiments, controller 2510causes an alarm indicator 2520 to produce an audible or visual alarmindication in response to controller 2510 when a predetermined conditionis met. In other embodiments, system 2500 operates as a silent alarmsystem, instead reporting events over an optional plain old telephonesystem (POTS) 2518 or an optional network 2516 such as a LAN, MAN, WAN,the Internet, or the like.

Controller 2510 can communicate over wired or wireless channels.Wireless implementations can be ad hoc or infrastructure. Infrastructureimplementations include an access point 2504, which can also communicatewith network 2516, and with POTS 2518 over a modem 2506. In suchimplementations, controller 2510 and access point 2504 can be fabricatedseparately or as a single unit.

In embodiments including an optional display, controller 2510 candisplay information such as the status of controller 2510, the status ofsensors 2502, and so on. In embodiments including an optional keypad, auser can operate the keypad to alter the operation of controller 2510,for example by changing the conditions for the sleep mode and fortransmitting the report signal. In other embodiments the user can alterthe operation of controller 2510 by speaking a command aloud. This soundis captured by an input circuit, and interpreted as a control signal.

Alarm system 2500 has many uses. For example, in embodiments where alarmsystem 2500 comprises a fire alarm system, sensors 2502 can comprisethermometers, smoke detectors, and the like. In embodiments where alarmsystem 2500 comprises a gas alarm system, sensors 2502 can comprisecarbon monoxide detectors and other gas detectors. In embodiments wherealarm system 2500 comprises an intruder alarm system, sensors 2502 cancomprise motion detectors, glass breakage detectors, and trip sensors todetect the opening of a window or door. In embodiments where alarmsystem 2500 comprises an earthquake reporting system, sensors 2502 cancomprise seismometers and the like. In embodiments where alarm system2500 comprises a weather reporting system, sensors 2502 can comprisethermometers, barometers, rain gauges, and other weather instruments.Other such systems are within the scope of the present invention andwill be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts after reading thisdescription.

FIG. 26 shows a controller 2600 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention that can function as controller 2510 of FIG. 10.Controller 2600 includes a processor 2618 that includes a microprocessorunit (MPU) 2640, a volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM)2624, a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 2626, anoptional digital to analog converter (DAC) 2628, an optional analog todigital converter (ADC) 2630, a media access controller (MAC) 2622, anda baseband processor 2620. Processor 2618 is preferably implemented as asingle integrated circuit. A controller having a processor implementedas a single integrated circuit can be fabricated at lower cost and havelower energy consumption. Alternatively, processor 2618 can beimplemented by discrete components. In some embodiments, processor 2618is implemented together with one or more sensors 2502 as a singleintegrated circuit.

MPU 2640 can comprise a microprocessor unit, a digital signal processor,or any combination thereof. ROM 2626 stores programmed instructions forprocessor 2618 and MPU 2640. RAM 2626 is provided as a working memoryfor MPU 2640.

Controller 2600 also includes an interface, which can be a wiredinterface 2606, a wireless interface 2610, or a combination of the two.Controller 2600 further includes a memory 2602, an optional inputcircuit 2614, an optional output circuit 2616, an optional keypad 2608,and an optional display 2612. Wireless interface 2610 includes awireless antenna 2632 and a wireless unit 2610 that includes a wirelessreceiver 2638 and an optional wireless transmitter 2636. Wired interface2606 includes a receiver 2646 and an optional transmitter 2648. Keypad2608 can be fabricated together with display 2612 as a touch screen.

Memory 2602 comprises a solid state memory, such as, for example dynamicrandom access memory (solid state memory), flash memory, EEPROM, or thelike. The amount of solid state memory supplied is selected to minimizeenergy consumption.

Antenna 2632 is a conventional antenna for receiving and transmittingwireless signals. Wireless unit 2610 converts wireless signals receivedby antenna 2632 to analog baseband signals, and converts analog basebandsignals received from baseband processor 2620 to wireless signals fortransmission by antenna 2632. Baseband processor 2620 converts analogbaseband signals received from wireless unit 2610 to a digitalbitstream, and converts a digital bitstream received from MAC 2622 toanalog baseband signals, both according to well-known methods. MAC 2622frames the digital bitstream produced by baseband processor 2620, andfilters the frames to select the frames addressed to processor 2618,both according to well-known methods. MAC 2622 also converts framesreceived from processor 2618 to a digital bitstream for basebandprocessor 2620, also according to well-known methods. In someimplementations, MAC 2622 includes an embedded microprocessor.

Digital data may be transferred between controller 2600 and a masterunit such as network appliance 2512, a local area network, the Internetand the like, including wireless networks with infrastructure, such as adesignated access point, peer-to-peer wireless networks, and the like.Such external devices communicate with the controller via wiredinterface 2606 and/or wireless interface 2610, which are controlled byprocessor 2618. Wired interface 2606 may be implemented, for example, asa parallel interface, serial interface, USB, Ethernet connection, IEEE1394 (a.k.a. Firewire), and the like. Wireless interface 2610 may beimplemented, for example, as an infrared interface, IEEE 802.15, IEEE802.11, Bluetooth™ and the like. Some embodiments of the presentinvention comply with one or more of the following standards: IEEE802.11; IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11h; and IEEE802.11i. Again, the present invention is independent of the interfaceselected. The digital data is then optionally stored in memory 2602.Processor 2618 can obtain digital data directly from a digital sensor2502, or indirectly over wired interface 2606 or wireless interface2610.

Alternatively, digital data may be obtained from an external analogsource such as an analog sensor 2502 connected to input circuit 2614.Input circuit 2614 takes the input signal from the external device andsets the analog signal to an appropriate level. The analog signal isthen converted to a digital signal by ADC 2630. The digital data can bestored in memory 2602.

FIG. 27 shows a process 2700 that can be performed by controller 2600according to a preferred embodiment. Operation of controller 2600 can beautomatic, controlled by the user through optional keypad 2608, which isin communication with MPU 2640, or both. Status of the controller can beprovided to the user by optional display 2612 in accordance with MPU2640.

One or more sensors 2502 generate a sensor signal representing alarmconditions (step 2702). In embodiments where the sensor signal isdigital, it can be received by interfaces 2606 and/or 2610. Inembodiments where the sensor signal is analog, it can be received byinput circuit 2614, which sets the signal to an appropriate level, andconverted to a digital signal by ADC 2630. In either case, the sensorsignal is passed to processor 2618 and optionally stored in memory 2602.

Processor 2618 produces digital data based on the sensor signal (step2704). For example, the digital data can represent the sensor signal, orcan simply represent an alert triggered by the sensor signal. Mediaaccess controller 2622 generates a report signal comprising the digitaldata according to well-known methods (step 2706).

When controller 2600 is in communication with a personal computer,network appliance, local area network, Internet, or the like, controller2600 transmits a report signal comprising the digital data (step 2708).MPU 2640 controls the flow of the digital data through interfaces 2606and/or 2610.

In some embodiments, media access controller 2622 generates a packetcomprising the digital data, which is then transmitted. In someembodiments, media access controller 2622 generates an electronic mailmessage comprising the digital data which is then transmitted to adestination address that can be provided by network appliance 2512 orthe like.

In some embodiments, controller 2510 and one or more actuators 2508 areimplemented together for controlling a physical portal such as a windowor door. In some embodiments, controller 2510 and actuators 2508 areimplemented within the physical portal. In other embodiments, controller2510 and actuators 2508 are implemented within a portal component, suchas a lock, that can be installed in a portal.

FIG. 28 shows a window 2800 according to one embodiment. While featuresof the invention are described with respect to window 2800 and anactuator for opening and closing window 2800, other sorts of physicalportals and actuators are contemplated. In addition, features of theinvention can be located in different parts of the window, door, or thelike, such as in the sash, windowpane, door panel, frame, and so on.Window 2800 comprises a frame 2802 and a sash 2804 that can be moved ina vertical plane to open and close window 2800. Window 2800 alsocomprises a controller 2510 and an actuator 2508, installed insidewindow frame 2802 and shown in a cutaway view of window frame 2802, thatis to raise and lower sash 2804 according to a control signal providedby controller 2510. In this example, actuator 2508 comprises a motor2806 and a sash cable 2808 connected between motor 2806 and sash 2804.Of course window 2800 can include other actuators for other purposes,for example to lock window 2800, or to obscure window 2800 by operatingblinds, liquid-crystal display windowpanes, and the like, that arewithin or external to window 2800.

Window 2800 optionally comprises one or more sensors 2502 that provide asensor signal. Sensors 2502 can comprise a thermometer, a lightdetector, a moisture detector, a wind detector, a barometer, a motiondetector, a smoke detector, a gas detector, a glass breakage detector,or other sorts of sensors. As described above, controller 2510optionally comprises a keypad 2608 and display 2612.

FIG. 29 shows a process 2900 that can be performed by window 2800according to one embodiment. Controller 2510 receives a signalrepresenting digital data (2902), and obtains the digital data from thesignal (step 2904). The digital data can represent an instruction tomanipulate window 2800, or information that can be used by controller2510 to determine when and how to manipulate window 2800. For example,the digital data can represent a schedule for the operation of window2800. As another example, the digital data can represent current orpredicted weather conditions that controller 2510 can use to determinewhen and how to operate window 2800. For this example, assume thedigital data represents a forecast of inclement weather, and thereforecontroller 2510 has determined to close window 2800 immediately.

Controller 2510 produces a “close window” control signal, and providesthe control signal to actuator 2508 (step 2906), causing actuator 2508to close window 2800. Subsequently, controller 2510 receives sensorsignals from sensors 2502 (step 2908) within and/or external to window2800 that indicate rising temperature, increasing sunlight, fallingrelative humidity, and rising barometric pressure. Accordingly,controller determines window 2800 should be opened, and provides an“open window” control signal to actuator 2508 (step 2910), causingactuator 2508 to open window 2800.

Subsequently a user observes the status of window 2800 on display 2612(step 2912), and enters a “close window” command using keypad 2608. Inresponse, controller 2510 produces a “close window” control signal, andprovides the control signal to actuator 2508 (step 2914), causingactuator 2508 to close window 2800.

In other embodiments, the user can control window 2800 remotely.Controller 2510 can transmit a report signal representing the status ofwindow 2800. The user receives the report signal, for example as anemail message or HTML document on a personal computer. The user enters awindow command that is received as a signal by controller 2510, whichprovides a corresponding control signal to actuator 2508.

If the signal representing the digital data is unavailable, controller2510 can operate window 2800 according to information provided by sensor2502 and/or a stored actuator schedule of operation.

The invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or incomputer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device forexecution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the inventioncan be performed by a programmable processor executing a program ofinstructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on inputdata and generating output. The invention can be implementedadvantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processorcoupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, andat least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented ina high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or inassembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include,by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from aread-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computerwill include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files;such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks andremovable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storagedevices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructionsand data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way ofexample semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing canbe supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specificintegrated circuits).

A number of implementations of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An alarm monitor comprising: memory that stores an actuator schedule;an input circuit that receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarmcondition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remotefrom the alarm monitor; a processor that generates digital data based onsaid sensor signal and that generates a first control signal to controlan actuator based on said actuator schedule; and an interface thatwirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based onsaid digital data and that transmits said first control signal to saidactuator.
 2. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processoractuates a part of at least one of a window and a door via saidactuator.
 3. The alarm monitor of claim 2 wherein said part includes oneof blinds, windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.
 4. Thealarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor wirelessly transmitssaid first control signal to said actuator via said interface.
 5. Thealarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processor at least one of opens,closes and obscures a physical portal based on said report signal viasaid actuator.
 6. The alarm monitor of claim 1 wherein said processorsignals said interface to transmit said report signal when said sensorsignal is equal to a predetermined value.
 7. The alarm monitor of claim1 further comprising a receiver that receives a sensor calibrationsignal from said remote master unit, wherein said processor calibratesan alarm sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.
 8. The alarmmonitor of claim 1 further comprising a media access controller thatgenerates said report signal based on said digital data.
 9. The alarmmonitor of claim 8 wherein said media access controller generates anelectronic mail (email) message comprising said digital data, andwherein said interface transmits said email message to at least one of apersonal computer and a portable device.
 10. The alarm monitor of claim8 further comprising a receiver that receives another signal comprisinga destination address, wherein said media access controller directs saidemail message to said destination address.
 11. The alarm monitor ofclaim 1 wherein said processor is in a sleep mode when said sensorsignal is equal to a predetermined value for a predetermined interval,and wherein said processor transitions to an active mode and transmitssaid report signal via said interface when said sensor signal is nolonger equal to said predetermined value.
 12. The alarm monitor of claim1 wherein said processor actuates a device that is connected to aphysical portal based on said actuator schedule and independent of saiddigital data.
 13. An alarm system comprising the alarm monitor of claim2 and further comprising an alarm sensor that generates an alarm signal,wherein said processor generates said digital data based on said alarmsignal.
 14. The alarm system of claim 13 wherein said alarm sensorcomprises a camera, and wherein said alarm signal comprises an imagecaptured by said camera.
 15. The alarm system of claim 13 wherein saidalarm sensor comprises at least one of a seismometer, a barometer, athermometer, a motion detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxidedetector, and a glass breakage detector.
 16. An alarm system comprisingthe alarm monitor and said remote master unit of claim 1, wherein saidremote master unit generates a second control signal to control saidactuator based on said report signal.
 17. The alarm system of claim 16wherein said remote master unit includes a network appliance.
 18. Thealarm system of claim 16 comprising a plurality of said alarm monitorsthat are in communication with said remote master unit.
 19. The alarmsystem of claim 16 further comprising an intruder sensor that generatessaid sensor signal.
 20. The alarm system of claim 16 further comprisinga weather sensor that generates said sensor signal.
 21. The alarm systemof claim 16 further comprising: a receiver that receives a sensorcalibration signal, wherein said processor calibrates said sensor basedon said sensor calibration signal.
 22. A controller comprising: an inputcircuit that receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition,the sensor signal originating from an alarm sensor that is remote fromthe controller and that receives a sensor calibration signal that isassociated with said alarm sensor from a remote master unit; a processorthat generates digital data based on said sensor signal; and atransmitter that wirelessly transmits a report signal to said remotemaster unit based on said digital data, wherein said processor remotelycalibrates said alarm sensor via said transmitter based on said sensorcalibration signal.
 23. The controller of claim 22 further comprising amedia access controller that generates said report signal based on saiddigital data.
 24. The controller of claim 23 wherein said media accesscontroller generates an electronic mail (email) message comprising saiddigital data, and wherein said transmitter transmits said email messageto at least one of a personal computer and a portable device.
 25. Thecontroller of claim 24 wherein said receiver receives another signalcomprising a destination address, and wherein said media accesscontroller directs said email message to said destination address. 26.The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor transmits said reportsignal when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value. 27.The controller of claim 22 wherein said processor is in a sleep modewhen said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value for apredetermined interval, and wherein said processor is in an active modeand transmits said report signal via said transmitter when said sensorsignal is no longer equal to said predetermined value.
 28. Thecontroller of claim 22 wherein said alarm sensor includes at least oneof a camera, a seismometer, a barometer, a thermometer, a motiondetector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, and a glassbreakage detector.
 29. The controller of claim 22 wherein said processoractuates a part of at least one of a window and a door via saidactuator.
 30. The controller of claim 29 wherein said part includes oneof blinds, windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.
 31. Thecontroller of claim 22 wherein said processor wirelessly transmits saidfirst control signal to an actuator.
 32. The controller of claim 22wherein said processor at least one of opens, closes and obscures aphysical portal based on said report signal.
 33. The controller of claim32 further comprising an output circuit that generates a second controlsignal based on said first control signal to at least one of open, closeand obscure said physical portal.
 34. The controller of claim 22 whereinsaid processor is in a sleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to apredetermined value for a predetermined interval, and wherein saidprocessor transitions to an active mode and transmits said report signalvia said transmitter when said sensor signal is no longer equal to saidpredetermined value.
 35. The alarm system of claim 22 wherein saidprocessor actuates a device that is connected to a physical portal basedon an actuator schedule and independent of said digital data.
 36. Amonitor comprising: an input circuit that receives a sensor signaloriginated from a remote sensor selected from at least one of a sunlightdetector, a seismometer, a barometer, a wind detector and a moisturedetector; a processor that generates digital data based on said sensorsignal and that generates a first control signal to control anmechanical actuator based on said digital data; and an interface thatwirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based onsaid digital data and that transmits said first control signal to saidactuator.
 37. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor actuates apart of at least one of a window and a door via said actuator.
 38. Themonitor of claim 37 wherein said part includes one of blinds,windowpanes, a sash, a sash cable, and a door panel.
 39. The monitor ofclaim 36 wherein said processor wirelessly transmits said first controlsignal to said actuator via said interface.
 40. The monitor of claim 36wherein said processor at least one of opens, closes and obscures aphysical portal based on said control signal via said actuator.
 41. Themonitor of claim 36 wherein said processor signals said interface totransmit said report signal when said sensor signal is equal to apredetermined value.
 42. The monitor of claim 36 further comprising areceiver that receives a sensor calibration signal from said remotemaster unit, wherein said processor calibrates said remote sensor basedon said sensor calibration signal.
 43. The monitor of claim 36 furthercomprising a media access controller that generates said report signalbased on said digital data.
 44. The monitor of claim 43 wherein saidmedia access controller generates an electronic mail (email) messagecomprising said digital data, and wherein said interface transmits saidemail message to at least one of a personal computer and a portabledevice.
 45. The monitor of claim 43 further comprising a receiver thatreceives another signal comprising a destination address, wherein saidmedia access controller directs said email message to said destinationaddress.
 46. The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor is in asleep mode when said sensor signal is equal to a predetermined value fora predetermined interval, and wherein said processor transitions to anactive mode and transmits said report signal via said interface whensaid sensor signal is no longer equal to said predetermined value. 47.The monitor of claim 36 wherein said processor actuates a device that isconnected to a physical portal based on an actuator schedule andindependent of said digital data.
 48. A system comprising the controllerof claim 36 and further comprising an alarm sensor that generates analarm signal, wherein said processor generates said digital data basedon said alarm signal.
 49. The system of claim 48 wherein said alarmsensor comprises a camera, and wherein said alarm signal comprises animage captured by said camera.
 50. A system comprising the monitor andsaid remote master unit of claim 36, wherein said remote master unitgenerates a second control signal to control said actuator based on saidreport signal.
 51. The system of claim 50 wherein said remote masterunit includes a network appliance.
 52. The system of claim 50 comprisinga plurality of said monitors that are in communication with said remotemaster unit.
 53. The monitor of claim 36 further comprising: a receiverthat receives a sensor calibration signal, wherein said processorcalibrates said remote sensor based on said sensor calibration signal.